OkobojiEagle

same knot, different name... welcome to the world wide web.

A seldom mentioned (like never) spinnerbait that I've found to be the most versatile and productive in my tackle bag is the Zorro short arm Aggravator (used to be the Stan Sloan Aggravator). I carry the 5/8oz bluegill color and always cut the wire weedguard off. Contrary to what you often read about spinnerbait styles, this single Colorado bladed bait is very weedless and draws some pretty viscous hits when fished through the top of submergent weeds. It also excels at bouncing along a clean bottom. I challenge anyone on this board to tell me you've got one of these baits in your bag... oe

Having worked in processing of PE lines for a bit, I'll go with a joining knot that should have been caught and discarded during the automated spooling process. It doesn't look too deep in your spool; I'd cut the knot out. I always tied a much larger knot with longer tags so it wouldn't be missed... oe

Where they share water, lots of smallmouth are caught fishing for walleye. Search walleye drifting and trolling techniques and you'll find good ways to boat smallies from deep water. After you find them choose whatever bass technique you prefer. I don't fish smallmouth deeper than 20' because I don't want to stress them and I'm fortunate enough to have waters that I don't have to. (You didn't hear this from me, but smallies love big leeches and chubs... I'd encourage you to only use them when searching as you'll deep hook far too many.) oe

I unhook large fish IN a large and deep net hanging off the side of my boat, never lifting the fish out of the water. Pictures and measurements aren't all that important to me. On rare occasions (couple times a year) I'll weigh a fish by attaching it to the scale while still in the net and lifting it just above the net/water for long enough to read the scale, then right back down into the water. Pretty quick and easy to do with the crotch of the net handle held in place by wedging it around one of the boat cleats. oe

Learn to backreel... oe

Let's see... my 1/2" open end wrench works really well. How will the Craftsman 9/16" ratchet end wrench compare? Is it as good as an Ace Hardware 8" pliers? I know, I'm old and crotchety!

No... it carries more water ON and Between the fibers. Nylon monofilament line will absorb water, I don't think fluorocarbon monofilament line absorbs water either.

This is good advice... also use the lightest weight bait you can still feel and retrieve it with the rod tip up and in front of you. Concentrate on the lure weight, lift the rod slightly with ANY tick or change of weight. I think the Ned rig would be a terrible technique to fish in rocky situations. The classic Ned retrieve I've read about preaches loosing feel of the bait. oe

A little hillbilly engineering to control spool speed on older Abu C series: Underfill the spool by 1/4 - 1/3. Use 90wt. oil in spool bearings. If you want to see these reels really sing... replace both worm gear bushings with bearings and the side plate idler gear is available with bearings as well. My "used to be" 4601c3 (2 pin brake) now 4601c6 is a great pitching reel, but I can't trust it to reach out with an over head cast! oe

Light line does give more casting distance, but it's also harder for you to see/watch... oe

Thanks for your input. How often does it happen?... the way I aggressively work the bait during the summer, pretty much every time. I'm comfortable with my PE line, I'll just continue using the casting rod/reel. oe

You're more accepting of the problem than I am... I also use a Pflueger 35 (Supreme), but don't experience any twist problems with braid (original Fireline). I think we are experiencing the same issue. Thanks oe

Problem: When fishing hard jerkbaits with an active cadence I throw the rod tip back toward the bait to achieve slack line. When doing so with spinning gear I'm also creating slack line on my reel. Slack line on a spinning reel leads to casting a bird's nest. Slack line on a bait casting reel can be prevented by keeping a thumb lightly on the spool during the retrieve. Question: Has anyone developed a technique that avoids building up slack line with a spinning reel while jerkbait fishing? oe

What's wrong with the President? oe

I would say "no thank you". oe

I'd check all of the above plus make sure the idler gear is seated properly... some use a C-clip others snap in place. I'd lubricate the plastic gears with a grease rather than oil. oe

Ha! The bait monkey will out live us all! You're grandsons will never understand how you could catch a bass with that antiquated tackle. oe

Slightly different question about scrimless blanks... I was under the impression that the scrim provided the strength and flexibility of the rod. I need someone to school me on what scrim actually does as my present knowledge can't comprehend a rod without scrim. oe

It's a cheap import version of the Regal vises. Heavy duty spring loaded jaws. I've never tried 6/0, but 4/0 works easy enough. After a few years the plastic end of the jaw handle broke off mine. I wrapped heavy tape around the broken end until it was comfortable again. I believe I bought mine at Cabelas many years ago. oe

I think you would be happier with this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DSRTW6A/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00DSRTW6A&pd_rd_wg=Fx3Uz&pd_rd_r=RTN0CW521VMSBA56BXJP&pd_rd_w=SxwCn oe

Quite a few more rods than reels! I've been on a long journey searching for that perfect rod, but we all know different powers, lengths and actions are needed for hair jigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, tube baits, flukes, ect. ect. ect! My Abu Premiers and Pflueger spinning reels cover the range of techniques I use. oe

Lucky Craft Pointers 3" Berkley PowerBait tubes/ 4" Berkley PowerBait grubs (I've got a couple of large bulk bags of each from when I spent some time in the Berkley manufacturing plant.) oe

Thoreau never won a BASS tournament! I suggest you pick out your favorite tackle to use and store the rest in a closet somewhere. You may change your tackle preferences over time and use some or all of what you've already purchased. oe

With everyday use I experienced all of the above problems with 10lb NanoFil. At the end of a year the coating had worn and the original casting distance had suffered. I went back to original Fireline 8lb. and got longer casting distance and fewer problems. oe